Senousi's extraditions angers Mauritanian Revolutionary Committees

In a statement on Sunday, the Revolutionary Committees Movement in Mauritania called for protests over the extradition of former head of the Libyan intelligence Abdullah al-Senousi. The movement said: “Mauritanian authorities extradited him although he sought refuge with them.” At the same time, Libyan Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ashour Bin Khayal, valued the role that Mauritania played and expressed the gratitude of Libyan authorities for Mauritania’s cooperation with Libya and response to Libyan requests of handing the former chief. The movement stressed in their statement the need to stand in the face of Mauritanian president’s regime that did not observe its relation with Gaddafi. Addressing to the Mauritanian people, the statement said: “In respect you and a thousand poems you presented as a gift to martyr Muammar Al-Gaddafi, and your unforgettable massive receptions…When he came to lead the prayers during the anniversary of the Prophet’s birth…and what we know of your dignity, Arab nationalism, and faith in the tolerant values of Islam…We expect a response to this treachery and this ingratitude by your government. We are confident that we will hear your voices responding to this humiliation to a country that has a special place in our hearts.” Libyan Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ashour Bin Khayal, valued the role that Mauritania played and expressed the gratitude of Libyan authorities and appreciation for Mauritania’s cooperation with Libya and response to Libyan requests of handing the former intelligence chief Abdullah Al-Senousi. The move, the minister explained, reflected Mauritania’s keenness on the relations of fraternity, neighbourhood, and warmth with Arab countries, especially the Arab Maghreb Union members. The Libyan minister said in a statement to the media on Sunday that: “Libya’s demands to extradite those wanted before Libyan courts of justice who committed crimes against Libyan people will remain within our communications and relations with fellow and friendly countries.” It added that Libya aims at handing all those wanted for Libyan courts, an issue that would take time as he clarified. He said: “We are completely convinced that anyone who is wanted for justice will stand before Libyan courts in the end.” Head of the Libyan government Abdel-Rahim Al-Kib said in a statement to the press: “Nouakchott promised since the first moment to arrest Senousi last March for charges of entering with a fake passport and handing him to the authorities of his country.” He added: “This is exactly what was done after we made commitment not to mistreat him and to guarantee his prosecution through a fair trial.” Al-Kib asserted that they would provide an attorney to defend Senousi, and allow observers from the international criminal court. He praised Mauritania’s response and extradition of the former Libyan intelligence chief despite similar efforts to extradite him to France and the International Criminal Court.